55+ Club - 55+ Club is a Christian fellowship/service group of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of, by and for seniors of the congregation and community. Since 1985, this group has grown to as many as 160 people attending the monthly luncheon meetings. Active members include those of Good Shepherd Lutheran as well as a large number from other denominations and some un-churched people. The monthly luncheon meetings occur on the first Tuesday of each month, except for July, and feature a catered hot meal and a variety of speakers and programs - inspirational, musical, humorous, informational, cultural, etc. A board of trustees directs the planning of activities. A monthly newsletter keeps everyone informed of coming events. Besides the fellowship of the luncheon meeting, 55+ provides several outlets for the members to serve - collection of prescription vials for Matthew 25 Ministries, collection of toys at Christmas for several service organizations and support of a local food bank (N.E.E.D.S.). Special interest groups are the Crafters and the Fun Bunch (card and board game players). Some travel opportunities are also provided - La Comedia for dinner theater performances, river cruses and other day trips.

Bible Babes - This is a women's Bible study group, which meets on the first and third Thursday of each month from 10-11 a.m.

Botanical Bunch - Cares for the landscaping from April through October, meeting each Tuesday morning at 8:00 to plant flowers, cultivate plants, and clean up debris. They conclude their morning of work with lunch.

Literature and Our Faith Book Club - Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month to discuss a book they are reading together. Books are announced at least one month in advance and all adults are welcome.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) - On the second Tuesday of each month, moms of preschoolers come to inspirational meetings designed specifically for them. At these meetings they experience community, mothering support, personal growth, and spiritual hope. MOPS gives moms time to come and refresh themselves in body, mind, and spirit while they enjoy friendship and moral support. During the meeting, their preschoolers enjoy a loving environment with a prepared curriculum and craft with a spiritual message. MOPS also plans events in addition to their regular meetings - Mom's night out, play dates, family picnics - and share information through their monthly newsletter.

Men's Bible Study (Wednesday Evenings) - Join other men on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the church office conference room for a Bible Study made for men. The men are currently using a study entitled Redefining Life: For Men. If you are man, interested in deepening your spiritual journey and entering into deeper fellowship with other men, this study is for you. Please contact Pastor Jess if you would like more information.

Peace Circle - This is a fellowship group for women who gather on the 3rd Monday of each month for lunch, prayer, and devotional study.

Piecemakers (Quilt Making) - Piecemakers is a group that gathers the fourth Monday of the month to make quilts for those who need them. The group is for anyone who wants to serve others through their artistic sewing ability.

Renewal - A process designed to deepen our individual relationship with Christ, while also developing our congregational faith journey. Participants often experience a “spiritual awakening” (or reawakening) as they participate in “Renewal Weekends” and then join a team to give another weekend six months later.

Scrapbooking - This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Come and work on your own projects and explore "Faithbooking", a way to convey your faith through your photo albums.

Sports Teams - Adults 18 and over play on Good Shepherd’s co-ed softball or volleyball teams in area leagues. All skill levels welcome.

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY

Our Goal is to provide an opportunity for members, non members, and visitors to gather routinely to develop relationships, learn, and serve together as a Christian group.
Our Focus is on deepening acquaintances into trusting Christian friendship. Small Groups are especially good for deepening Christian discipleship.

WHAT IS A GROUP AT GOOD SHEPHERD?

Good Shepherd is a church home for many people. Attendance at our five different weekend services typically ranges from around 30 to more than 150 people. Good Shepherd can seem like a big place and at times you might wonder how to feel that you are really a part of what is happening.

We know that God created us to be in community and fellowship so Good Shepherd also has many different groups that offer participants an opportunity to learn, support, serve, or just to have fun. Being part of a group is a great way to meet people and feel that you really belong. Some groups are targeted to people by demographic, skills, spiritual gifts, or interests; many groups are open to any adult who would like to join. Do you have an idea and want to start your own group? There is plenty of material, resources, and support available.

Information about Good Shepherd’s groups can be found at www.goodshepherd.com, in the blue section of the new Good Shepherd Handbook, or by contacting Jodi Keith, Developer of Small Groups and Fellowship at 891-1700 x 26 or jkeith@goodshepherd.com or Pastor Jess at jabbott@goodshepherd.com. Watch future issues of the Shepherd’s Horn where a different group will be highlighted each time. We hope to see you in a Good Shepherd group soon!